What reading level is Gasp?

Gasp by Lisa McMann is at a Level 4-5 reading level (Lexile 710L). Recommended for Middle Grades readers (Ages 9-12).

What age is Gasp appropriate for?

Gasp is recommended for Ages 9-12. HootRating: 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags: School Shootings, Supernatural Elements.

Gasp is fiction — Juvenile Fiction.

Does Gasp have any content warnings?

Gasp has a HootRating of 9IE (Intense — Emotional). Content flags include: School Shootings, Supernatural Elements. On HootRated, every book is rated across four dimensions — emotional, physical, social, and thematic — to help parents make informed choices.

How many pages is Gasp?

Gasp by Lisa McMann is 273 pages.

Reviewed by HootRated editorial · Last updated June 9, 2026

Gasp

Lisa McMann

Gasp

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lisa McMann

Reading Level 4-5 9IE Ages 9-12 Heads Up

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is intense and may include graphic or distressing scenes.

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About This Book

What would you do if you could see disasters before they happen? Jules has already faced two terrifying events, but now the visions keep coming, and she knows she must act fast. Can Jules, Sawyer, and their friends stop another catastrophe before it's too late?

Themes

SupernaturalSchool SafetyFriendshipJuvenile FictionParanormal Fiction

Quick Assessment

This middle-grade novel follows Jules, a girl who experiences visions warning of impending disasters. After surviving past traumatic events, she and her friends are drawn into preventing further tragedy. The story includes themes of supernatural phenomena and school shootings, making it suitable for readers aged 9-12 who can handle serious subject matter with parental guidance.

Why we rated Gasp 9IE

Gasp is written at a Level 4-5 reading level with a Lexile measure of 710L across 273 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 5.5 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Gasp works for readers up to grade 6.5.

We rate Gasp as 9IE ("Intense — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Intense" range — intense conflict including peril, frightening scenes, or emotionally heavy themes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, physical peril, social complexity, thematic difficulty — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.

Specific content flags noted by reviewers: School Shootings, Supernatural Elements.

Thematically, Gasp explores supernatural, school safety, friendship, juvenile fiction, and paranormal fiction — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.

Good fit for

✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
✓ Kids drawn to stories about supernatural, school safety, friendship.

Maybe not for

! Sensitive readers who get overwhelmed by intense conflict or scary scenes.
! Children younger than 9-12 — the content intensity is above what most younger kids can process comfortably.
! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.